Public Resources

Agency description:

The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) is charged with maintaining a strong economy, protecting the financial system, and managing government resources and finances.

Website:

www.treasury.gov

Enabling Statute:

“The Department of the Treasury is an executive department of the United States Government at the seat of the Government. The head of the Department is the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.” 31 U.S.C. § 301(a)-(b)

Key issues:

Wall Street reform; debt limit; mortgage reform; funding of terrorism; economic policy; financial education; tax policy.

Sub-agencies:

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau; Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; Bureau of Engraving and Printing; Bureau of Public Debt; Financial Management Service; Internal Revenue Service; Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; Office of Thrift Supervision; U.S. Mint

Agency description:

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) collects taxes on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition, as well as overseeing the proper labeling and advertisement of such products.

Website:

www.ttb.gov

Key issues:

Alcoholic beverage advertising on television and in print; tobacco advertising; the manufacture and importation of firearms.

Agency description:

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection oversees the operation of banks and financial institutions with the goal of protecting consumers deceptive or abusive practices.

Website:

www.consumerfinance.gov

Key issues:

Consumer complaints; deceptive mortgage practices; unexpected bank fees; financial education; budgeting; credit counseling; student loan education.

Agency description:

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing manages the design and production of U.S. currency.

Website:

www.bep.treas.gov

Key issues:

Counterfeiting; damaged currency.

Agency description:

The Bureau of Public Debt borrows money for the operation of the federal government and does the accounting for that debt.

Website:

www.publicdebt.treas.gov

Key issues:

National debt calculation; interest rates; public debt reports.

Agency description:

The Financial Management Service oversees the payment and collection of funds to and from federal program agencies and provides and accounting of money owed.

Website:

www.fms.treas.gov

Key issues:

Debt management; cash management tools.

Agency description:

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers federal tax laws and ensures the correct and prompt payment of federal taxes by individuals and businesses.

Website:

www.irs.gov

Key issues:

Tax fraud; tax shelters; tax evasion; online filings.

Agency description:

The Office of the Comptroller of Currency regulates all nation banks as well as federal branches and agencies of foreign banks.

Website:

www.occ.gov

Key issues:

Money laundering; Bank Information Technology (BIT); foreclosure prevention; Truth in Lending.

Agency description:

The Office of Thrift Supervision manages the availability of affordable home financing.

Website:

www.ots.treas.gov

Key issues:

Community Reinvestment Act; reverse mortgages; interest rate risk.

Agency description:

The U.S. Mint oversees the creation and sale of U.S. coinage and assets.

Website:

www.usmint.gov

Key issues:

Coin production; public education; commemorative coins.